Bungoma, Kenya — Detectives in Bungoma have uncovered a suspected illegal sugar repackaging operation following an intelligence-led crackdown on uncustomed goods at Bukembe Shopping Centre in Bungoma South Sub-County.
Officers from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Bungoma South raided a premises linked to a suspect identified as Paul Mwangi, where they recovered dozens of bags of sugar and packaging materials bearing different brand names.
76 Bags of Sugar Recovered
According to the DCI, detectives recovered 76 bags of 50kg West Valley Sugar from the premises.
They also found nine bags of sugar already repackaged in Chinese-branded sacks, raising suspicions that the premises was being used to repackage sugar and sell it under different identities.
Investigators further recovered 10 empty 50kg bags bearing the Mayuge Sugar brand, a Ugandan sugar brand.
The discovery has heightened suspicions that the operation could have been involved in the repackaging and rebranding of sugar from different sources.
More Sugar Found in Suspect’s Van
Detectives also searched a white Nissan Vanette, registration number KDG 347E, associated with Mwangi.
The search led to the recovery of an additional 26 bags of West Valley Sugar, which investigators believe could have been intended for transportation and distribution.
Officers subsequently proceeded to a godown owned by the suspect, located south of Bukembe Shopping Centre.
There, they recovered 98 more 50kg bags of West Valley Sugar and 1,700 empty 50kg bags bearing the West Valley Sugar brand.
Suspect Remains in Custody
Crime Scene Investigation officers processed and documented the premises, while all recovered items were secured as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.
Mwangi remains in police custody as detectives investigate the suspected operation and seek to establish its supply and distribution networks.
The DCI said the crackdown is part of efforts to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses and dismantle criminal networks involved in uncustomed and illicitly repackaged goods.
